Sanchez and Kolb sign

The Pirates have agreed to terms with Freddy Sanchez and Danny Kolb.

Sanchez agreed to a one year $2.75M deal plus $10k for 650 plate appearances. Sanchez had filed for $3.1M with the Pirates offering $2.15M.

Kolb, a right handed reliever, agreed to a minor league deal. If he makes the 25 man roster he will make $1.25M and possibly another $1.3 in bonuses. If he fails to make the 25 man roster, he has the option to become a free agent.

In 2003-2004 Kolb converted 60 of 67 save opportunities with a 2.55 ERA with Milwaukee. He did not have as much success with Atlanta in 2005. In 2006 with Milwaukee again, he had a down and up season. His season turned around after the All-Star break with a 2.75 ERA and a 14 appearance scoreless streak.

BTW Take:
The Sanchez signing is somewhat shocking on the duration. Rumor had been a two year deal would be made. This could still happen, with the signing being nothing more than avoiding the arbitration hearing.

The Kolb signing is more of a shock. The rumor just hit the street yesterday, and he signs today. We Pirate fans are use to a months worth of rumor before a signing. Overall, I can't find flaw with the deal. If he makes the team, he must have outperformed a fairly deep bullpen to make the team. If Kolb is back to 2003-2004 form, this is a steal of a deal.